•	Understand the value of discernment in life. Recognizing what is beneficial and what is harmful is essential for growth and success. 	•	Embrace inclusivity but practice selective retention. Being open to all experiences and people enriches life, but it’s crucial to retain only what is good.	•	Regularly evaluate and refine your surroundings. Continuous assessment of your environment helps in maintaining a positive and productive life. Jesus’ teaching encourages you to regularly review and improve your life choices.

Discern:The Kingdom of Heaven Collects All, but Chooses the Best

For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.

Practice patience in judging others. It takes time to see the true nature of people, as good and bad qualities may not be immediately evident. Focus on nurturing your own virtues. It's easy to get distracted by others' faults instead of improving yourself.Avoid making hasty decisions based on first impressions. First impressions can often be misleading, leading to premature judgments.

Be Patient: Discern the Good from the Bad Over Time

4 Jesus answered,  “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ”5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple.6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “ ‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’ ”7 Jesus answered him,  “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ”

He replied, ‘Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, “Move from here to there,” and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.’

Recognize the good seeds in your life. Identifying positive influences and good actions can help you nurture them for a fruitful future. Be aware of the weeds and enemies Understanding the challenges and negative influences is crucial for personal growth.Prepare for the harvest through consistent efforts. Consistent good actions and efforts lead to positive outcomes over time.

Understand: Every Aspect of Life Involves Sowing and Harvesting

<ul><li>Recognize the blessings of living in this era. Many before us dreamed of and fought for the opportunities and freedoms we now have.</li><li>Strive to make the most of the opportunities presented to you.We are called to honor the struggles of those before us by making the most of our present.</li><li>Share the knowledge and insights you gain with others.By sharing what we learn, we continue the legacy of those who sought to understand and teach.</li></ul>

Appreciate the Times You Live In: Many Longed for What You Have

For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.

•	Nurture your faith daily. Developing strong faith requires consistent effort and practice. Jesus teaches that even faith as small as a mustard seed can achieve the impossible.	•	Face challenges with belief. Approaching difficulties with a mindset of faith can lead to extraordinary results. Jesus’ words encourage you to trust in your faith during tough times. What challenges can you face today with unwavering belief?	•	Trust in the power of small beginnings. Small acts of faith can lead to significant outcomes over time. Jesus emphasizes that even a small amount of faith can move mountains,

Develop: Cultivate Faith That Moves Mountains

Value the wisdom from past experiences Old lessons and experiences hold valuable insights that can guide you. Jesus compares a knowledgeable person to a house owner who cherishes both old and new treasures.Stay open to new knowledge and experiences. New ideas and experiences bring growth and innovation into your life. What new knowledge or experience can you seek out today to enrich your life?Blend old and new insights for a balanced perspective. Combining traditional wisdom with fresh insights creates a well-rounded approach to life.

Integrate: Use Both Old and New Wisdom in Your Life

•. Recognize the potential in what you already have. Often, you may overlook the value of your current resources, thinking they are insufficient. Jesus took a small amount of food and fed thousands, showing the power of gratitude and resourcefulness. How can you better utilize what you already possess?	•	Practice gratitude for your resources. Being thankful for what you have can transform your perspective and increase its value.	•	Share your resources to create abundance. Sharing what you have can lead to unexpected abundance and blessings.

Multiply: Make the Most of What You Have

•	Release the need for control. Trying to control every aspect of life can lead to stress and dissatisfaction. Jesus teaches that letting go and trusting in Him leads to true fulfillment. Why is it important to let go of the need to control everything?	•	Prioritize spiritual growth over worldly gains. Focusing solely on material success can lead to a loss of spiritual fulfillment. Jesus’ words remind you to seek spiritual growth and purpose.	•	Trust in a higher purpose. Believing in a purpose greater than yourself can provide guidance and peace.

Gain True Life by letting Go What Not Depends On You

He said, ‘Come!’ Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. ‘You of little faith,’ he said, ‘why did you doubt?’

They said to Him, ‘We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish.’ He said, ‘Bring them here to me.’ And He directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, He gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then He gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people.

Sometimes we can use scripture quotes to justify our own actions or views without looking at the bigger picture of God's will.Through the conversation between Jesus and the devil we learn that the knowledge of Scripture must be applied with wisdom and understanding of the true will of God.

Scripture is for spiritual guidance, not self-justification

He answered, 'The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one, and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels.

He said to them, ‘Therefore every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.”

Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away.

Let both grow together until the harvest; and at the time of harvest, I will say to the reapers, ‘First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.’

•	Trust in the support you have. Doubts and fears can prevent you from recognizing the help available to you. Jesus reached out to Peter, showing that support is always there if you trust.	•	Keep faith even in difficult circumstances. Challenging situations can make you lose faith and focus. 	•	Believe in the impossible and move forward. Jesus encouraged Peter to walk on water, teaching you to believe and move forward despite obstacles. What steps can you take today to pursue what seems impossible?

Have Faith: Walk the Path with Trust and Courage

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MATTHEW 13:52

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